More than 1/3 of Americans have considered adoption, but no more than 2% have actually adopted.
The question to ask is WHY???
On this Orphan Sunday, if you are not called to adopt (and not all people are!), would you prayerfully consider what you may be able to do to raise the percentage of adopting families? Statistically, we know there are those willing to adopt. Help them do so by removing barriers.
***Host adoption/orphan care events so that the need is made known.
***Add adoption related books, videos, materials, etc. to your church library
***Offer prayer support for adopting families throughout the adoption journey.
***Financially support adopting families.
***Create an adoption-friendly culture within your church and children's ministries.
***Establish a support group for fostering and adopting families
***Offer education regarding transracial families, special needs & HIV+ adoption, R.A.D. and attachment/bonding issues, etc.
***Research and make a list of available resources to help adopting families: grants, loans, attachment therapists, physical/occupational/speech therapists, support groups, etc.
A fantastic resource to familiarize yourself with is the WRAPPING AROUND ADOPTIVE FAMILIES booklet. This short read is a gem and wonderful guide to follow. Read now!
Many would-be adoptive families are often deterred from ever beginning the process for fear of what life may look like after bringing a child into their home. Often if they have unsupportive family or friends, they feel isolated and alone. Instead, the church needs to let both perspective and in the trenches adoptive families know that they are not alone! The church will WRAP around them with prayer and practical help. An easy way to remember the needs of adoptive families:
***Add adoption related books, videos, materials, etc. to your church library
***Offer prayer support for adopting families throughout the adoption journey.
***Financially support adopting families.
***Create an adoption-friendly culture within your church and children's ministries.
***Establish a support group for fostering and adopting families
***Offer education regarding transracial families, special needs & HIV+ adoption, R.A.D. and attachment/bonding issues, etc.
***Research and make a list of available resources to help adopting families: grants, loans, attachment therapists, physical/occupational/speech therapists, support groups, etc.
A fantastic resource to familiarize yourself with is the WRAPPING AROUND ADOPTIVE FAMILIES booklet. This short read is a gem and wonderful guide to follow. Read now!
Many would-be adoptive families are often deterred from ever beginning the process for fear of what life may look like after bringing a child into their home. Often if they have unsupportive family or friends, they feel isolated and alone. Instead, the church needs to let both perspective and in the trenches adoptive families know that they are not alone! The church will WRAP around them with prayer and practical help. An easy way to remember the needs of adoptive families:
W - wrestle in prayer
R - respite
A - acts of service
P - promises of God
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Prayer - Dear God, may Your CHURCH rise up, move, and act on behalf of the orphan. Lead us in how you would have us support those considering and journeying through adoption. Help us to better W.R.A.P. around adoptive families. Amen.
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